Chapter 92: Continued!

Although the initiation ceremony was scheduled for noon, Li Zhuiyuan arrived early in the morning, accompanied by Tan Wenbin, Runsheng, and Yin Meng.

He had intended to help with the move, but when they arrived, they found the house already vacated.

Grandma Liu's move truly only involved changing residences; all the furniture and belongings were left behind since the building was hers anyway, making their placement irrelevant.

Li Zhuiyuan and the others had no choice but to return to the school, heading to the old professors' residential area. Here, there were townhouses, but both the houses and their yards were quite small.

Tan Wenbin went to inquire about Engineer Luo's original residence. Upon their arrival, they saw a man in the small courtyard, reinforcing a flower stand with a hammer.

Li Zhuiyuan called out, "Uncle Qin, the soy sauce bottle in the kitchen has tipped over."

"Oh, really? I'd better go fix that right away."

Uncle Qin finished hammering the nail, turned, and looked at Li Zhuiyuan; they exchanged a smile.

Li Zhuiyuan clearly remembered the scene from a year ago, sitting on Uncle Qin's old-fashioned bicycle, feeling incredibly strong at the time.

Inside the courtyard, one could discern Engineer Luo's meticulous design. Though smaller than their previous residence, it was charming and distinct.

Given that Liu Yumei had grown accustomed to living in her great-grandfather's small east room, she would certainly be comfortable here.

Most importantly, this location was on campus, very close to his dormitory, making future visits much more convenient for him.

Upon entering, they found that A-Li's room was situated on the sunny side of the first floor, featuring a full-length window that opened directly onto the courtyard.

To enter or exit A-Li's room, one didn't even need to use the front door; one could simply step over the small courtyard fence, cross the lawn, and push open the window to gain entry.

For most people, this might seem a bit unsafe, but for this particular family, security was the least of their concerns.

However, the room was small, only able to accommodate a bed, so A-Li's drawing table and desk were set up in the second room on the first floor.

As for Liu Yumei and Aunt Liu, their bedrooms had to be situated upstairs.

Seeing that Runsheng and Binbin had both arrived, Aunt Liu slapped her forehead. "Oh, goodness," she sighed, "we've just moved, and already it's time to get busy!"

A communal meal was soon cooking.

Li Zhuiyuan finally savored that familiar taste again, just like the meals at his great-grandfather's house.

During the meal, Tan Wenbin asked, "Grandma Liu, where are we having lunch today?"

Liu Yumei pointed her chopsticks at the table in front of them. "We're eating at home, as usual," she replied.

Tan Wenbin looked up, puzzled. "Will everyone fit?" he asked.

"Aren't we all seated now?"

Tan Wenbin then understood. "No guests, then?"

"What do we need guests for? Isn't our family all here?"

"Heh heh, I thought you might invite some old friends to grace the occasion. You've truly embraced simplicity now; your cultivation is high."

"Even in the past, initiation rites never invited outsiders; they were never grand affairs." Liu Yumei glanced at Li Zhuiyuan, simultaneously picking up a handkerchief to wipe her mouth. "After initiation, if one successfully 'walks the river,' then everything that should be known will be. But if one fails to 'walk out,' inviting outsiders to witness the ceremony would only give them reason to mock us, wouldn't it?"

Uncle Qin, who was eating at the table, put down his chopsticks and lowered his head.

Li Zhuiyuan knew that Uncle Qin had failed his "river walk." Grandma Liu attributed this to her own impatience, but Li Zhuiyuan was curious about what, given Uncle Qin's strength, could have possibly stopped him.

Furthermore, as he entered the courtyard and passed Uncle Qin, Li Zhuiyuan had detected a herbal scent emanating from him, indicating that Uncle Qin had returned with a severe injury.

Liu Yumei's gaze subtly flickered toward Uncle Qin. "A-Li," she said gently, "let's eat."

"Mmm," Uncle Qin replied, picking up his chopsticks again. "Xiao Yuan won't disappoint you."

"Times have changed, and I've long since let go of that." After speaking, Liu Yumei, who had just wiped her mouth, picked up her spoon again and took a sip of pear soup.

Some words are merely for show; while they might deceive others, they can never deceive oneself.

The foundation and legacy of both the Qin and Liu families rested squarely on her shoulders.

To claim she no longer wished to see their former glory would, of course, be a lie.

Yet, time had taught her tolerance and patience. She would no longer pressure the young man as she had once pressured Qin Li.

On the contrary, her current concern was whether the young man's pace would be too rapid. She might even need to postpone his "altar opening and river walk" to prevent him from breaking due to excessive rigidity.

After the meal, there was a period of leisure, creating an atmosphere akin to Chinese New Year, with everyone setting aside their tasks to gather at home.

In the courtyard, Uncle Qin was massaging Runsheng's muscles.

"Runsheng, you have too much inert muscle, and your body carries too much stagnant energy."

"Too much inert muscle" meant relying solely on brute strength, while "stagnant energy" referred to a unique characteristic of Runsheng's physique.

Li Sanjiang had mentioned that when Old Man Shan found Runsheng, he realized the child had survived by consuming spoiled meat.

This made the details of Old Man Shan finding Runsheng by the river and bringing him home highly debatable. As a body retriever, what exactly was Old Man Shan doing by the river?

Nevertheless, Old Man Shan genuinely raised Runsheng as his own grandson. He was reluctant to discuss the past, as he truly wished for Runsheng to live a normal life and not perceive himself as an anomaly.

Uncle Qin's assessment left Runsheng feeling somewhat ashamed.

He nervously glanced towards the young man sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with A-Li by the full-length window, playing chess.

Runsheng was well aware of the young man's high expectations for him.

Perhaps having witnessed Uncle Qin's strength, the young man had always hoped to become like him, or even surpass him, in the future.

But now, it seemed he lacked such talent.

Playing chess allowed for some distraction, especially since he was simultaneously playing three games of blind chess.

Consequently, Li Zhuiyuan heard Uncle Qin's words, but he felt no concern at all.

If Runsheng truly lacked talent, Uncle Qin would likely not even bother to scold him. The more he criticized him now, the higher his true internal assessment was, believing that such a promising talent deserved to develop further.

Uncle Qin began to meticulously refine Runsheng's muscle engagement and taught him personalized breathing techniques.

This demonstrated the crucial role of individuals within the system of inheritance.

People are the vital link in any lineage; written records serve only as supplementary aids.

In the kitchen, Aunt Liu was teaching Yin Meng how to make desserts.

Aunt Liu taught with great care, and the kitchen was filled with soft whispers as Yin Meng diligently absorbed the lessons.

When the first batch of desserts emerged from the oven, Li Zhuiyuan detected a pungent odor, so strong that an unsuspecting person might have thought someone had lit mosquito coils.

Soon after, the sound of teeth brushing could be heard from the first-floor bathroom.

It must have been Aunt Liu; even if it tasted like insecticide, she had to sample it. Being a master was truly not easy.

Yin Meng stood at the kitchen doorway, shoulders hunched, hands clenched, like a child who had done something wrong.

This was completely normal; anyone who nearly "sent their master away" (implied poisoning) on their very first day of cooking would feel panicked and frightened.

Li Zhuiyuan, Runsheng, and Tan Wenbin had long since discerned Yin Meng's culinary abilities: the more complex a dish, the greater its potential to transform into poison in her hands.

It was no wonder that when she managed the coffin shop alone, she only ate plain boiled noodles, perhaps with a dash of soy sauce. When stewing pig's trotters, she wouldn't even bother to scrape off the hair, simply boiling them into oblivion.

As a genuine person from Sichuan and Chongqing, her daily diet of bland, home-cooked food was certainly not due to a preference for mild flavors.

However, Aunt Liu was considerably more benevolent than Uncle Qin:

"Mengmeng, you have a talent for poison."

Potent poisons, after all, require only simple ingredients.

This was a talent others couldn't learn, because if Yin Changsheng truly was the legendary Emperor Fengdu, then she genuinely had connections in the underworld.

Fengdu... Oh, Fengdu...

Brother Liangliang had told him that if he intended to visit Fengdu again, he should do so soon.

His last visit to Fengdu had been a mere whirlwind tour. Next time, Li Zhuiyuan planned to delve into its true secrets.

The mere sight of Yin Fuhai being carried away by four ghosts after his death was enough to pique his curiosity.

Perhaps he could commission a larger coffin, allowing Yin Meng and himself to lie inside together. Then, with a pre-arranged illusion to feign death, he might be able to reach the Yin family's land of rebirth.

Perhaps there, he might encounter the Great Emperor of Fengdu.

The problem, however, was that getting in would be easy, but how could he guarantee his safe return?

Tan Wenbin and Liu Yumei chatted, and to Liu Yumei's surprise, she found the conversation with him quite enjoyable, unconsciously speaking more than usual.

Although Tan Wenbin had once lived with Li Sanjiang, their interactions were minimal. Firstly, Liu Yumei didn't hold him in high regard, and secondly, Tan Wenbin's demanding schedule of school and practice left him with no spare time.

Now, Liu Yumei began to understand why Li Sanjiang was so fond of this young man.

People are simply like that: once accustomed to the refined, they often desire something more grounded. Having a child like Xiao Yuan highlights the unique value of Zhuangzhuang even more.

The clock struck eleven.

"Rumble!"

The previously clear sky had become heavily overcast with dark clouds. Sudden summer thunderstorms were, after all, a common occurrence.

Tan Wenbin slapped his thigh. "Tsk, tsk," he chuckled, "Grandma, look! The heavens are truly showing their respect!"

Liu Yumei cast a sidelong glance at Tan Wenbin, smiling but remaining silent.

At that moment, Li Zhuiyuan approached Liu Yumei and said:

"Grandma, the ancestors of both families are signaling that the auspicious time has come."

Liu Yumei pointed at Li Zhuiyuan and addressed Tan Wenbin, "Did you hear that? Those are the words our new Dragon King should speak."

Tan Wenbin offered a wry smile. "Grandma," he said, "you're putting me on the spot! If I had a mind like Brother Xiao Yuan's, I'd also..."

For a moment, Tan Wenbin couldn't even fathom what he would be like if he possessed Xiao Yuan's intellect.

Liu Yumei reached out and lightly tapped Tan Wenbin's forehead. "What's so difficult about it?" she mused. "Small sails and small boats naturally have to be humble wherever they go. But when you have a Dragon King on your boat, you, standing at the bow and shouting, only need to remember one thing."

"Grandma, please tell me quickly."

"Just act the part with utmost conviction."

With that, Liu Yumei turned and beckoned to A-Li, who had entered with Xiao Yuan. "Come," she said, "it's time for us to prepare for the main event."

There were no guests, no lanterns, and no banquet. Even the room designated for the ceremony was small, with one-third of its space occupied by ancestral tablets, two chairs positioned below, and a prayer mat in the center.

On the floor in front of the prayer mat, three lamps were arranged.

One depicted a deep python opening its eyes, another a golden dragon raising its head, and the third a phoenix perched on a tree.

These represented initiation, "walking the river," and returning home, respectively.

Only the Dragon King's family possessed the confidence and fortitude to display these three symbolic lamps. Other families weren't incapable of doing so, but they feared they couldn't withstand the implications.

Just as disciples of other families refer to their journeys as "cloud wandering" rather than "walking the river," the Way of Heaven observes and the world of cultivators has its spirits; the greater one's boast, the greater the pressure it will exact.

Today, Li Zhuiyuan only needed to light the first lamp, symbolizing his initiation.

The second lamp would only be lit, and the altar opened, when he was ready to "walk the river."

Once the second lamp was lit, it signaled the commencement of the "river walk," a shift in destiny and fortune. At that point, certain forces, even if one tried to hide at home and not seek them out, would inevitably be drawn to them.

When Aunt Liu explained this to him, Li Zhuiyuan felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

Li Zhuiyuan had even asked if his family members would be implicated once he began his "river walk."

Aunt Liu's answer was that since the family's name would be invoked during the "river walk," the family would inevitably be implicated. Regardless of the family, disciples undertaking the "river walk" would initially be supported for a certain distance, as the family's foundation was robust enough to withstand it.

However, after this initial support, the individual would have to navigate the rest of the journey on their own.

Firstly, whether one could ultimately transform from a flood dragon into a true dragon depended entirely on personal effort. Secondly, the further one progressed, the greater the entanglements, and even the wealthiest and most influential families would eventually be unable to sustain the burden.

In essence, "walking the river" was a gamble for both the individual and their family. It was fundamentally a high-stakes endeavor; if one were to wager everything, its purpose would be lost.

When Aunt Liu mentioned "a large family with vast affairs," Li Zhuiyuan instinctively glanced at the altar table in the room, laden with ancestral tablets.

If Runsheng, Binbin, and Yin Meng hadn't been present today, the "true family" would likely have needed only a single wooden stool for breakfast.

This was truly... a vast legacy.

Nevertheless, with Uncle Qin, Aunt Liu, and Liu Yumei there, he would receive initial support during his "river walk." But once that early phase passed... his relationship with Liu Yumei and the others might revert to how it was at his great-grandfather's home.

They could share meals and live together, but any interference in matters beyond the ordinary secular world would be off-limits.

As for the third lamp, "Phoenix Perching on a Tree," successful "river walkers" naturally had no need to light it. It was only lit by those who temporarily withdrew or aborted their journey; Uncle Qin, for instance, had lit it.

Lighting it, therefore, signified relinquishing the opportunity.

Liu Yumei sat on the left, clad in an elegant green robe, while to her right sat A-Li, dressed in a red one.

On an occasion like this, Liu Yumei represented the Liu family, and A-Li, bearing the Qin surname, represented the Qin family. Despite their generational difference, they had to sit side by side, as this was an act of accepting a disciple on behalf of their ancestors.

Uncle Qin and Aunt Liu, dressed in red and green python-embroidered training robes respectively, stood on opposite sides.

Aunt Liu's true surname should have been Liu, but when she stayed at Li Sanjiang's home, she had to change it to maintain the illusion of three generations living together.

In fact, the dragon and phoenix motifs on the lamps, alongside the python embroideries on their robes, hinted at how formidable and influential such families must have been in ancient times.

Throughout history, the presence of the unwavering river transport gang was felt in countless periods of turmoil, even as imperial dynasties rose and fell.

Furthermore, such families often prioritized fate, luck, and feng shui, operating discreetly, which enabled them to preserve their heritage for extended periods in the shadows.

Li Zhuiyuan stood before the prayer mat.

Behind him, Yin Meng, Runsheng, and Tan Wenbin all held burning incense sticks.

Due to limited space, the three stood pressed against the wall.

Liu Yumei spoke, "The conditions are humble, and I apologize for any inconvenience."

Li Zhuiyuan replied, "The water needn't be deep; a dragon makes it sacred."

Liu Yumei smiled and nodded. She certainly had the means to host a grander ceremony, possessing old mansions in Jinling, yet she had deliberately chosen this confined space.

A smaller space fosters a stronger sense of warmth and camaraderie.

"Rumble."

The thunder outside the window intensified, and lightning flashed continuously.

Liu Yumei couldn't help but gaze out the window. "What a beautiful sight today," she mused.

The altar table held only expensive wooden tablets. So, were they all observing the ceremony from outside the window?

Liu Yumei looked at Aunt Liu, who then announced, "Perform the rites."

Li Zhuiyuan first performed the Liu family's traditional greeting to Liu Yumei, who promptly rose and returned the gesture.

Next, Li Zhuiyuan performed the Qin family's traditional greeting to A-Li.

Uncle Qin stepped forward, positioning himself in front of A-Li, ready to return the greeting on her behalf.

However, A-Li stood up on her own.

Uncle Qin could only step back.

A-Li returned Li Zhuiyuan's greeting.

She knew how to perform many such gestures, but she often refrained, choosing instead to judge people based on their character.

Aunt Liu felt a surge of amusement but, given the solemnity of the occasion amidst the rumbling thunder, she managed to suppress a smile.

She recalled how, at the Ding family in Shancheng, the Old Lady had allowed Xiao Yuan to perform greetings and take a seat on A-Li's behalf.

The Old Lady's words had only recently softened, but her actions had been honest for a long time.

Today, witnessing the two children exchange greetings, she now looked forward to the next stage.

Life, indeed, was full of anticipation.

In any case, from the moment Li Zhuiyuan first approached A-Li and took her hand, she had always cherished the sight of the two children together.

Every morning, before preparing breakfast, she would lean against the kitchen doorway, watching the two children read and play chess on the terrace for a while, a sweet feeling washing over her before she returned to cooking.

With the main rites concluded, it was time to choose the legacy.

Liu Yumei had already decided that both children would shoulder dual legacies, but the proper procedure had to be followed. She would have him choose one first, then she would persuade him to undertake the other.

Thunder rumbled outside. Liu Yumei couldn't help but glare, "What are you rushing for?!"

Clearing her throat, Liu Yumei asked,

"Li Zhuiyuan, with the Qin and Liu families before you, which family do you choose to enter?"

Li Zhuiyuan looked at A-Li and asked, "Has A-Li entered the Qin family?"

Liu Yumei shook her head. "Our A-Li has not yet been initiated," she replied.

She hasn't even been initiated yet, and she's already so heavily entangled by those forces. Once she truly enters, I fear those entities will pursue her even more relentlessly.

It was precisely for this reason that Liu Yumei had never held an initiation ceremony for A-Li.

"Then will A-Li be initiated in the future?"

"Once A-Li recovers from her illness, she naturally will be."

"And which family will A-Li enter?"

"Whichever one you choose, A-Li will enter the other."

As both a young lady of the Liu family and a young mistress of the Qin family, Liu Yumei had to maintain perfect impartiality.

Li Zhuiyuan could choose one and then take on another; A-Li would then be initiated into the latter. This arrangement would leave no room for criticism from either family.

"Li Zhuiyuan, have you made your choice?"

"I have chosen. I will enter both the Qin and Liu families."

Liu Yumei paused, taken aback. She hadn't expected the young man to be so eager, having prepared for a negotiation when suggesting he take on an additional role.

However, considering the young man's previous remarks, she quickly understood his intentions after a moment of thought.

For a moment, Liu Yumei herself almost burst out laughing.

This rascal was clearly determined to make A-Li his junior apprentice sister in the future!

What did he think the Qin and Liu family legacies were? Toys to amuse a little girl?

It was fortunate that the little girl being teased was her own granddaughter. Otherwise, no matter how great a genius stood before Liu Yumei at that moment, she would have risen to kill him!

But being provoked in such a sensitive way left her unable to feel truly angry, yet finding it utterly inappropriate to laugh.

"Rumble! Rumble! Rumble!"

Thunder boomed continuously around them. In this residential area, every plugged-in television, washing machine, and electric light was likely damaged by the strikes today.

With a sudden "whoosh," the circuit breaker, whether struck or simply tripped, plunged every house in the residential area into darkness despite the midday gloom.

Only this house remained largely unaffected, thanks to the candles that had been lit beforehand.

Liu Yumei rolled her eyes at the window. "Oh, you lot," she muttered, "a bunch of old fools, just stirring up trouble!"

With matters now settled, Liu Yumei flicked her fingertip, and the Liu family's initiation token flew into Li Zhuiyuan's hand.

As Liu Yumei reached for the Qin family's initiation token on A-Li's side, she saw A-Li perform the same gesture she had just made: A-Li placed her fingertip on the token, and with a light flick, the Qin family's token also flew into Li Zhuiyuan's hand.

Li Zhuiyuan stacked the two tokens, knelt on the prayer mat, and placed them on the head of the python adorning the first lamp.

The tokens spontaneously ignited, and the flames descended like molten silver.

The python lamp ignited, and the python's eyes opened, meeting the young man's gaze.

Inexplicably, Li Zhuiyuan, who was skilled in divination and physiognomy, sensed that his fate had undergone a significant change at that very moment.

Once the tokens had burned to ash, Li Zhuiyuan knelt upright and bowed profoundly towards the ancestral tablets on the altar table.

With each bow, a clap of thunder resonated from outside the window, as if in direct response.

This scene made Runsheng, Binbin, and Yin Meng, who were standing pressed against the wall, widen their eyes in astonishment.

They could tell that Brother Xiao Yuan wasn't deliberately waiting for the lightning and thunder to coincide; he was simply performing the ritual steadily, following his own rhythm.

Even if one were to argue that Brother Xiao Yuan was deliberately orchestrating the thunder for dramatic effect, when had anyone ever witnessed thunder striking nine consecutive times at precisely the same rhythmic interval?

The rites concluded.

The thunder ceased.

Liu Yumei announced, "Bow to the Dragon King!"

Li Zhuiyuan turned to face Runsheng, Binbin, and Yin Meng.

Then the four knelt facing each other and bowed three times to one another.

Since Liu Yumei had stated she no longer cared for formal rituals, Li Zhuiyuan genuinely followed the procedure for sworn brotherhood.

With the bowing to the Dragon King completed, Runsheng and the other two were officially recognized as registered disciples of both the Qin and Liu families from that moment forward.

Many families present at the Ding family banquet in Shancheng had a long history of transmitting their traditions in precisely this manner.

Li Zhuiyuan turned back to face Liu Yumei. With one final exhortation, the initiation ceremony would be perfectly concluded.

Liu Yumei began, "Li Zhuiyuan, having entered both the Qin and Liu families, you must strive for progress, never bring dishonor to our names, and in your future 'river walk'..."

At that moment, the golden dragon on the second lamp suddenly and slowly raised its head, its mouth opening to emit a flame.

The golden dragon lifted its head—the "river walk" had begun!

Liu Yumei's eyes widened in disbelief.

Uncle Qin and Aunt Liu also wore expressions of shock; the lamp, though unlit, had ignited on its own.

Li Zhuiyuan was also very surprised, yet as he gazed at the burning lamp, a sense of relief washed over him.

He realized that he had already begun his "river walk" long ago.

But exactly when had it started?

Runsheng and the other two were also filled with curiosity; they hadn't seen Brother Xiao Yuan light the lamp.

In the entire room, the only one whose expression remained unchanged was A-Li, because the young man had told her all his secrets.

Liu Yumei's expression was incredibly solemn. Her original intention had been to wait until the young man was fully grown and more prepared before opening the altar and lighting the lamp for the "river walk." But now, the lamp was already lit, and what was done could not be undone.

Unless they extinguished the lamp now and relit it, which would directly signify surrender and a failed "river walk."

Liu Yumei's hands rested on the armrests, and the solid wooden chair splintered under her grip as if it were mere foam.

Aunt Liu watched Li Zhuiyuan with deep concern. "How incredibly difficult would it be to undertake the 'river walk' at such a young age?" she wondered.

In Uncle Qin's eyes, beyond concern, there were also memories and expectations. Deeper still, a sense of relief was discernible.

As a failed participant in the Qin family's "river walk," he deeply hoped for someone else to succeed.

Li Zhuiyuan, however, was the first to compose himself. He calmly pointed to the lamp with the golden dragon's raised head and said,

"That's good," he said, "saves me the trouble of slowly searching later."

The matter was settled.

Liu Yumei looked at the young man. "Xiao Yuan?" she prompted.

Li Zhuiyuan nodded.

Liu Yumei slowly rose to her feet.

She then declared:

"With utmost sincerity, I proclaim to the rivers, lakes, and seas:

'From this day forward, our Qin and Liu families once again send forth a successor to undertake the 'river walk!'"